Camping in Epping Forest

Forest walks don’t come more impressive than Epping Forest, with 12 miles of rambling woodlands stretching north of London. Venture into the trees to explore miles of walking, cycling, and horseback riding trails; spot native wildlife; or play a game of golf at one of the two courses. Campers staying at Epping Forest can also explore the adjoining Lee Valley Regional Park, where activities include fly fishing and boat cruises along the Lea River. For a break from the forest, slip away to a country pub on the forest outskirts, or hop aboard for a ride on the Epping Ongar steam railway.

96% (1.7K) • 3,436 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Epping Forest

Penn Meadow Farm

1. Penn Meadow Farm

91%
(292)
Beaconsfield, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed but must be off the ground BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 10pm and 8am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 10pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; but must be kept off the ground in BBQs or firepits. Fire pits are available to rent from check in. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 8mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Pitt Wood

2. Pitt Wood

100%
(3)
Halstead, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitt Wood is a quiet and secluded forest set in the borders of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. The site is off grid offering private and spacious pitches for campers wanting a more authentic woodland camp. We have a large communal cooking area and tipi as well as compost toilets. The woods is a short drive from Sturmer and Halstead which hosts real ale pubs and country cafes.
Pets
Campfires
Bridge Woods

3. Bridge Woods

97%
(33)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small Farm with riverside. Very safe and quiet. Dog's more than welcome. The land is fully fenced off for dogs to roam freely if wanted. There is a pond for them to cool down in the summer. There are toilets and a washing machine. There is also a place to do some washing up if needed. The campsite is located 5 minute walk away from a bus stop that can take you into Cambridge. We can provide a shuttle if needed.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
The Secret Pondside Pitches

4. The Secret Pondside Pitches

100%
(7)
England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The Secret Pondsite Pitches offers 20 pitches by the water! Located just within the borders of Southdown National Park, between Burgess Hill and Hassocks on the site of working plant Nursery, but pleasantly located just behind it, in the company of nature only. The site is remote, but there is a few walking distance attractions: 1. A private gate into the Ditchling Common. 2. Village of Ditchling-a home to of craftsmen and makers, with beautiful history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. 3. Pubs, vineyards and other farms-the area is known for it's favourable conditions to grow varieties of grapes perfect for Champag.....oops, not allowed to say it.....for Sparkling Wine! 4. The Beacon-those who love a cycling challenge, The Beacon is a classic and The Secret Pondside Pitches serve as a great starting point to park up, rest up and tackle the hill. Please be quiet and respectful, respect the boundaries of surrounding businesses, watch your babies and pets closely and most importantly-enjoy the natures melody! ____________________________________________________________________________________ This is a working farm, so please arrive with patience and care. More details available via email eastwoodplantmarket@gmail.com or 07309062112
Pets
Campfires
Painters Farm Campsite

5. Painters Farm Campsite

99%
(49)
Whitstable, England · 46 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled beside the village of Painters Forstal, Faversham, Kent. Our two acre orchard site with grass pitches. The campsite lies within seventeen acres on the slope of The Kent Downs, a designated area of natural beauty. The Alma ale house at the edge of the farm serves Shepherds Neame and hot meals all year round. Two acre quiet cherry orchard site based around a Tudor Manor house 1547 that gives its name to our village. Surrounded by orchards and open countryside but within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable and Canterbury. Pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans with or without electric hook up on a level grassy site. Pets are welcome and a crew member is always around the reception or farm to help out. The Campsite is open from 1st march until 31st October. The local area is awash with things to do. Faversham once the busiest port in 17th century England for its wool trade has the longest complete medieval street in the country. A wealth of little shops, cafes and pubs as well as the country’s oldest family owned brewery Shepherd Neame. Whitstable sitting just along the coast, famed for its Oysters and Sunsets is a fun beachside community bustling in the summer months and hauntingly bleak in the winter ones. The World Heritage sites of Canterbury are just a fifteen minute trip away with all its well documented history and plentiful shops and eateries.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Far and Away Camping

6. Far and Away Camping

100%
(60)
England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Camping at Tomkins Farm

7. Camping at Tomkins Farm

96%
(184)
North Chailey, England · 41 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relaxed camping beside a lake on an East Sussex farm, with alpacas, llamas, and camels
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Secluded Woodland Camp

8. Secluded Woodland Camp

97%
(30)
Ware, England · 30 units
Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
The Nut Plat Retreat

9. The Nut Plat Retreat

94%
(88)
Tonbridge, England · 3 units
Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Daisy May’s Farm

10. Daisy May’s Farm

87%
(191)
Bishop's Stortford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

11. Hill Top Farm Wild Camping

97%
(30)
England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Hill Top Farm Wild Camping has just a few tiny pitches but the folk here keep the grass trimmed for easy pitching and you can park right next to the pitch. It's a tiny Wild Camping site with no running water, toilets or showers. What Noakes Meadow does have is plenty of space for you to enjoy and camp fires are definitely allowed. A wheelbarrow of fire wood can be purchased for £10 Cash/Paypal/Bank Transfer on arrival. This site is far away from the madding crowds though close to the M20 and A20 for easy access. A mere 10-minute stroll along the road is a fab 16th-century country inn for food and pints. On the other hand you could always fire up a barbie and sizzle some sausages or grab a take away from the chippie 7 minutes away in the nearby village of Lenham. This wild camping site operates a leave no trace policy so be prepared to bag up and take everything with you when you leave.
Pets
Campfires
The Meadow @ Waples Mill

12. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

92%
(65)
Dunmow, England · 12 units
Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.
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Campfires
Showers
1 events @ the candlesticks

13. 1 events @ the candlesticks

100%
(3)
Hatfield, England · 1 unit
Nestled in the picturesque Hertfordshire countryside, the campsite at The Candlestick offers a peaceful rural retreat surrounded by rolling farmland, woodland walks, and open skies. Located beside the historic Candlestick country pub on the outskirts of Essendon, guests can enjoy the perfect combination of countryside camping and traditional pub hospitality. The pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere, food service, garden, and popularity with walkers and cyclists. Whether you're travelling by tent, campervan, motorhome, or touring caravan, this tranquil setting provides an ideal base for exploring the Hertfordshire countryside while remaining within easy reach of London and local attractions. Guests can relax with a meal or drink at the pub after a day of walking or cycling through the surrounding rural landscape. The elevated location offers attractive countryside views and a genuine escape from the pace of everyday life. Highlights Peaceful countryside location in Essendon, Hertfordshire Adjacent to a traditional country pub serving food and drinks Ideal for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers Suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes, and touring caravans Dog-friendly environment Convenient access to local footpaths and village amenities Easy access to Hatfield, St Albans, and London transport links Whether you're stopping for a single night or planning a longer countryside getaway, The Candlestick campsite offers a relaxed and welcoming setting to unwind and enjoy the best of rural Hertfordshire. **dog friendly**
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Wild Boar Wood Campsite

14. Wild Boar Wood Campsite

98%
(50)
Haywards Heath, England · 9 units
Wild woodland glamping in the heart of Sussex with fires
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Beech Farm Camping

15. Beech Farm Camping

100%
(5)
England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A rural getaway doesn’t have to involve a long drive or lots of winding lanes to negotiate – and an excellent example of this is Beech Farm, in the West Sussex countryside about five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst. This site is about a mile and a half from the nearest A road, half an hour’s drive from the A3 and M23, and about 45 minutes from Junction 9 of the M25. All of that adds up to a quick-to-reach destination for residents of London and most of the South East, as well as easy access for those coming from further afield. This is a fairly simple site with just essential facilities (toilet block, rubbish area and chemical disposal point), but it’s all well maintained. It’s a laidback place where families, dogs and groups are all welcome, but please note that campfires and barbecues are not allowed for safety reasons. Bed down here and you’ll be in an excellent spot for all sorts of days out – the site is just outside the South Downs National Park for scenic walks and bike rides, and within easy reach of Chichester (40 minutes), the Goodwood Estate (35 minutes) and the beaches of the south coast (half an hour). Billingshurst has a good selection of shops and places to eat, plus a railway station for days out by train. - Simple but well-kept site five minutes’ drive from Billingshurst - Just outside South Downs National Park; farm park two minutes' drive - Rural location with easy access from main roads and motorways
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
Chapter Farm Camping

16. Chapter Farm Camping

98%
(21)
Canterbury, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Family-friendly camping in a quiet countryside setting close to the beach at Whitstable
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Field of dreams

17. Field of dreams

100%
(6)
Duxford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The site is nearly an acre set in the corner of a five acre meadow we have a maximum of 10 pitches in our arable farm sitting on one of the highest spots in Essex on the Cambridgeshire border overlooking Duxford IWM . If it is a show weekend we are able to take more pitches . we have a pond in the middle of the meadow and nesting owls in a tree on the hedgerow Surrounded by fields but a short walk to a very good pub and short drive to nearest well stocked village shop If you want to relax and restore this is the place to come
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Fit in the Wild

18. Fit in the Wild

East Grinstead, England · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Fit in the Wild is a furnished bell tent on the grounds of Homestall Manor, a Grade II* listed medieval Tudor estate in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, West Sussex. Wake up to 28 acres of formal gardens, ponds, woodland, and views across the Sussex countryside. Step outside your tent and walking trails into Ashdown Forest from the gate. Tennis and padel courts are available for guests throughout your stay, as well as the grounds for outdoor exercise, yoga, or simply sitting still for five minutes. Your tent is a bell tent with a two single beds, cotton linen, rugs, lighting, and a side table. Toilets and hot showers are available on site. Three miles from East Grinstead station with direct trains to London Bridge and Victoria. The village of Ashurst Wood is a 10 minute walk for a pub, shop, and post office. Bring your own breakfast or pick up supplies in the village. Quiet, adult, considered glamping. No music after 10pm. Balance for body and mind. Pets £10 per night and wood logs for fire pit available for £10. Pain on site.
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Lakeview Paddock

19. Lakeview Paddock

100%
(8)
England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Benton End Camping Pitches

20. Benton End Camping Pitches

100%
(9)
England · 3 units
****N.B in order to book with us, you are required to be a member of the GREENER CAMPING CLUB. (Only 1 person per pitch required)**** This MUST be done before your booking. Please see their website to join. (DOG friendly) Three Lovely ADULT ONLY Camping pitches situated on Benton End Flower Farm ( n.b please note this field is for tents only, we currently do not have provisions for campervans or caravans at this moment, hoping to be ready in 2027) The camping field is close to a 4 mile lovely railway walk, 5-10 minute walk to Hadleigh high street, riverside walks, pubs, bars and restaurants. Independent shops. Including a short drive to some beautiful Suffolk villages, Jimmys Farm, The Marquis, Coastal towns. There are lots of lovely walks around the area. Dogs 🐕 are welcome, however they MUST be well behaved, long leads recommended and never left unattended. Each pitch has a dry compost loo, picnic bench and bbq. There is a communal fire pit, basic kitchen and shower. There is a short walk from car park to the field but we can help you with equipment using tractor and trailer or you can borrow a barrow. Any issues just drop me a message.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Epping Forest camping guide

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for exploring: Debden House Campsite has spacious tent sites with fire pits, electric hook-up for caravans and campervans, and direct access to the forest’s hiking trails.
  • Best for peace and quiet: Lee Valley Campsite is on the western edge of the forest and has grass pitches with or without electric hook-up, as well as cozy camping pods and tents for hire.
  • Best for a wild camping experience: Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite lets you get back to nature, with minimal amenities, quiet woodland tent pitches, and hammocks swinging from the trees.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Epping Forest campsites and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Early bookings are essential if you want to visit these times.
  2. Unpowered tent pitches are more likely to be available without a reservation, but it’s still best to call ahead.
  3. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  4. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Some campsites open from May through September, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

Accessible year-round, it’s worth revisiting Epping Forest throughout its changing seasons. Autumn is magical under the colorful canopy of fall foliage, while springtime sees wildlife at its most active and bursts of wildflowers. Visiting on a weekday means you’ll avoid the crowds, but the park’s walking trails are always busy in July-August, as well as during school holidays. Pack sturdy hiking boots if visiting after rainfall, as the forest trails can get muddy.

Know before you go

  • Epping Forest is on the border of Essex and Hertfordshire, about an hour’s drive north of London.
  • Central line tubes run to Epping Forest from London, stopping at Ashurst, Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hinton Admiral, Lymington, New Milton, Sway, and Totton.
  • There are about 30 car parks located throughout the park, many of which are pay and display.
  • Epping Forest Visitor Centres are located at Chingford and High Beach, where you’ll also find restrooms and cafés. 
  • Wild camping and overnight parking are not permitted anywhere within the park. Fires and BBQs are also off-limits, except on private camping and caravan parks.
  • Epping Forest has several accessible trails, and all car parks are accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Debden House Campsite, Lee Valley Campsite, and Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite are the best camping options near Epping Forest. Debden House Campsite has spacious tent sites with fire pits, electric hook-up for caravans and campervans, and direct access to the forest’s hiking trails. Lee Valley Campsite is on the western edge of the forest and has grass pitches with or without electric hook-up, as well as cozy camping pods and tents for hire. Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite lets you get back to nature, with minimal amenities, quiet woodland tent pitches, and hammocks swinging from the trees. You can also explore different options for camping near Epping Forest on Hipcamp.

Epping Forest is accessible year-round, and it’s worth revisiting throughout its changing seasons. Autumn is magical under the colorful canopy of fall foliage, while springtime sees wildlife at its most active and bursts of wildflowers. Visiting on a weekday means you’ll avoid the crowds, but the park’s walking trails are always busy in July-August, as well as during school holidays. Pack sturdy hiking boots if visiting after rainfall, as the forest trails can get muddy.

Visitors to Epping Forest can enjoy forest walks, cycling, horseback riding trails, golf, fly fishing, and boat cruises along the Lea River at the adjoining Lee Valley Regional Park. Additionally, visitors can take a break from the forest by visiting a country pub on the forest outskirts, or hop aboard for a ride on the Epping Ongar steam railway.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Epping Forest holidays